Last night we saw Albert Pujols walk off the field a tad gimpy after running out a grounder and subsequently leave the game early. Now we know what we had previously only suspected: he has a hamstring strain.

It’s being termed “mild,” so that’s good, but either way the Cardinals would be wise to let him sit for the upcoming series against the Astros. Sure, he’s essential, but unlike in past years, Tony La Russa has a plausible if only temporary replacement for Pujols at first base in Lance Berkman.

It looks like it will be a long and tough fight in the NL Central this year. Better to have the big guy healthy later even if it means resting him up now.